Departed May 8 In The Middle Of The Night, Has Not Been Seen Since

A search is on for a pilot who allegedly stole an airplane leased by his employer May 8 in Palo Alto, CA and has not been seen since.

William McAdams is suspected of taking a Cessna that had been leased by Advantage Aviation, where he worked as a flight instructor. He allegedly left the airport in the middle of the night on May 8, according to television station KNTV.

Authorities said that the last known position of the airplane was near the Mexican border about 70 miles offshore on a southwesterly heading.

Palo Alto Police Sgt. Brian Philips said that the investigation is centering on electronic information gleaned from radar, McAdams' cell phone, and anything that might point to a motive for the theft.

McAdams is not believed to be a threat to public safety, according to officials. The Palo Alto police are working with the FAA, the Coast Guard, and Mexican authorities to try to find the plane. The type of Cessna was not specified.

(Image from file. Not missing airplane)

FMI: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/pol/